Gandalf in Moria

[Alcuin]

“Moria� is a Sindarin word, and sounds like a nickname the Noldor of Eregion might have given Khazad-dûm in jest and in private – it’s probably not a cognomen the Dwarves would readily use for their greatest city-state in its glory. Some Noldor might even have taken refuge there when Sauron overran Eregion. (Not many: Elrond led the survivors north to a fortifiable valley: the foundation of Rivendell.)

After Durin’s Bane emerged, though, “[The] Black Pit� was a good name for the place. Elves, Men, Hobbits, Ents, and even Dwarves used it.

Originally Posted by Eärniel

...While the eastern part may have been the most populated or longest populated, the western stretch probably wasn't wholly deserted either. The gate may have been shut, but anyone able to read Elvish script would have gained easy entry, and guards and officials may have been present at all times regardless. The pass through the tunnels undoubtedly was lighted and maintained, and not as subject to the whims of weather and robbers as overland passes would be.

I think the West Gate remained open until Durin’s Bane drove out the Dwarves, if only for convenience, especially in the winter. Gimli said door-wardens were posted there. There were Hobbits nearby in Dunland, forebears of some of the Stoor Hobbits of the Shire: Durin’s Folk traded with the Shire Hobbits, and probably traded with the Dunland Hobbits (and Men), too.

Galadriel had high regard Durin’s Folk. She was a friend of Aulë the Vala, respected the craftsmanship of the Dwarves, as well as their military acumen and combat skills. She passed through Khazad-dûm from West Gate to East Gate at least once (in one telling), when Celebrimbor and the MÃ*rdain against her counsel elected to consort with Annatar (Sauron in disguise) to make the Rings of Power. I think she may have used that passage more often, however: and she also knew more of the rhyme that Gimli quoted only in part:

Dark is the water of Kheled-zâram,
and cold are the springs of Kibil-nâla,
and fair were the many-pillared halls
of Khazad-dûm in Elder Days
before the fall of mighty kings
beneath the stone.

We might consider whether Moria was a term used before the Dwarves were driven out by Durin’s Bane, or only afterwards.